A Trip to the Island of Itaparica

It is only a 40-minute ferryboat ride to the island of Itaparica, from Salvador, Brasil. Larger towns, like Itaparica, Mar Grande, and particularly Vera Cruz are more bustle than anything else. So, based on my last experience here, it was the villages I was seeking. In general, the people there are fairly laid back. Most are friendly and open and pay little attention to this Gringa, walking around with her camera. Some ham it up for the camera. Others think I am loco. The majority, though, are truly curious about me and want to know where I am from and what I am doing there. And I try to figure them out. We are worlds apart and I am humbled by the openness, modesty, and dignity of those who let me into their lives.

Misericordia, Ilha de Itaparica, Brasil

My Portuguese is pretty basic. I cannot stress this enough. I know a few words here and there and try to form sentences (and typically forget to add verbs). Somehow I manage to communicate with people on a very rudimentary but somewhat successful level

The following are a handful of photographs taken over the five days there.

you are so sweet, thank you. yes! as i write this i have two applications about to go out by tomorrow and another one later this week. i’m trying. believe you me. it’s frustrating but i have to admit that when i am out there taking pictures and when i work on them, after, nothing else matters. i am in my zone and so very content. lack of hope gets completely put aside because i am in my element. this is what counts, in the end.